OBJECTIVES

The transcription factor 7-like 2 gene () is associated with a predisposition to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in different ethnic populations. This article investigated the relationship between gene expression and several biochemical indexes among different age categories of T2DM in a sample of the Iraqi population.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty blood samples were collected from three groups: young T2DM (10-35 years), old T2DM (40-80 years), and healthy control (10-65 years) groups. Both sexes were enrolled. qPCR was performed to explore the expression of the gene. Biochemical tests were performed to assess hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The results were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients with T2DM had higher BMI, TG, and LDL, and lower HDL than the control group. There was a strong positive correlation between hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) and BMI, TG, and LDL and a negative correlation between HbA1c and HDL. Expression of the gene showed a significant difference between old and young patients by 1.68 and 0.207 fold, respectively. These results showed that old patients had higher gene expression than young patients.

CONCLUSION

gene expression was affected by age, with higher expression in old T2DM patients. This may influence beta cell functions and insulin secretion.